Selective Corticosteroid Injection into the Extensor Pollicis Brevis Tenosynovium for de Quervain's Disease

Abstract

Selective corticosteroid injection into the extensor pollicis brevis tenosynovium was performed in 50 patients (7 men and 43 women; 53 hands) with de Quervain's disease. Mean patient age was 32.4 years and mean follow-up was 4.1 years. Before selective injection into the extensor pollicis brevis tenosynovium, the extensor pollicis brevis tendon was palpated at the distal ulnar side of the first compartment, with dorsal and volar flexion of the first metacarpophalangeal joint. A 27-gauge needle was placed along the extensor pollicis brevis tendon and into the distal entrance of the extensor pollicis brevis tenosynovium selectively, and 10 mg of 40 mg/mL triamcinolone acetonide and 0.25 mL of 1% xylocaine were combined and injected. Forty-six hands had relief of pain following a single injection. Six hands required a second injection and 1 hand required a third injection. Ultimately, all 53 hands had satisfactory results by selective extensor pollicis brevis injection alone, and no patients required surgical treatment.